The Los Angeles Lakers are once again at the center of trade rumors, this time linked to a $13.3 million shot-blocking star from the Utah Jazz. After a disappointing second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s clear the Lakers need a major upgrade at the center position—and Deandre Ayton isn’t the long-term answer.

Ayton had his moments during his first season with the 17-time NBA champions, including back-to-back double-doubles against the Houston Rockets in the first round. But his inconsistent play was a key factor in the Lakers’ 4-0 sweep by the Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. He struggled to secure defensive rebounds and lacked the aggression needed to win the frontcourt battle, leaving the Lakers searching for a more reliable presence in the paint.

Enter Walker Kessler, the Jazz’s 7-foot defensive anchor who has been on the Lakers’ radar for some time. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, trading for Kessler should be a top priority for L.A. this offseason. “While the Lakers have squeezed what they can out of the Deandre Ayton-Jaxson Hayes combo at center, this position appears in most dire need of an offseason upgrade,” Buckley wrote.

Kessler, who is entering restricted free agency, could be the perfect fit for a Lakers team that needs elite paint protection behind an offense-heavy backcourt. His ability to finish around the rim would also pair beautifully with the team’s star shot-creators. Unfortunately, a left shoulder injury limited Kessler to just five games this season, but when healthy, he was a two-way force. In those limited appearances, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.

For Lakers fans, the idea of adding a young, defensive-minded big man like Kessler is an exciting one. If negotiations with the Jazz get tricky, this could finally be the summer the Lakers land their long-coveted center—and give their championship hopes a serious boost.